On this sealife watching experience in Scotland you'll encounter wildlife in their natural habitat of the Moray of Firth. If the spectacular mountain scenery doesn't take your breath away, the sight of Bottlenose Dolphins swimming alongside the boat certainly will.
Even the boat ride itself on this whale watching experience provides an exhilarating ride as your Skipper Sarah navigates across the open waters at speeds of up to 25 knots in search of the resident colony of Bottlenose Dolphins enjoying life in the Inner Firth. These graceful marine mammals are part of the most northerly colony of Bottlenose Dolphins in the world and estimates put numbers at around 130. If circumstances allow, you may also get the chance to hear the amazing underwater sounds using the hydrophone.
As well as a chance of spotting dolphins, you may strike lucky and see a Minke Whale, swimming close to the surface of the water to feed. You're also likely to come across Harbour Porpoise, Common and Grey Seals during your sealife watching in Scotland experience, as well as getting up close to the some 29,000 birds estimated to nest on the rugged coastlines around the Moray of Firth.
This whale watching centre in Scotland is an accredited operator with the Dolphin Space Programme, which is a local voluntary code of conduct designed to safeguard the welfare and future of the cetaceans (marine mammals) in the Moray Firth.
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours. After a short on shore introduction your trip departs from Cromarty. Once out on the boat, you may see Bottlenose dolphins as well as the Harbour porpoise, Common and Grey Seals. Minke whales are occasionally sighted during summer months and time will also be spent, if sea conditions allow, beside the bird colonies and cliffs. If conditions are suitable you may use a hydrophone to listen to a variety of under water sounds. Boats carry a maximum of 12 passengers with full commentary and interaction between crew and passengers. The boat operators follow strict codes of conduct to ensure no disturbance is caused to marine wildlife you encounter.
Experiences are available from April to early October, usually with am and pm start times available. Trips are very popular in the summer, so please allow plenty of notice for booking. If your trip is cancelled due to the weather, you will be re-booked for another suitable date. Although you are fortunate to see a variety of wildlife on most trips, sightings cannot be guaranteed 100% as the animals encountered are entirely wild.
The boat departs from Cromarty Harbour, Scotland, approximately 30 minutes from Inverness.
There is a minimum age of 5 years. Passengers should dress warmly and wear flat, rubber soled shoes. Wet weather gear, life jackets, goggles and headbands are provided for your comfort. A reasonable level of fitness is required as you will need to enter and exit the boat safely. Passengers are asked to arrive 10 minutes before departure.
This activity is not suitable for spectators however, they are welcome to watch the departure and return of the boat. There are great opportunities for photographing the marine life.